Flexible Tubing Technical Information

Basics of...Flexible Tubing

Nylon

Nylon is produced in a number of compounded formulations, such as Nylon-11. Handles weak acids, solvents, and hydraulic fluids. High resiliency, superior dimensional stability, minimal moisture absorption, impact and kink resistant. Non-toxic, odorless and tasteless.

PVC

Known as Vinyl or Polyvinyl Chloride, this is one of the most versatile thermoplastic compounds. In a flexible tubing form, PVC can handle a variety of materials, including food products and mild chemicals. Limited acid use. Clear with excellent visibility of the material being conveyed. PVC is non-wetting and can be easily washed clean between applications. When extruded with a braid reinforcement, PVC offers excellent pressure ratings and kink resistance.
PVC is NOT recommended for use with ketones, esters, chlorinated solvents, highly corrosive materials, or petroleum based lubricants.

Silicone

Silicone is excellent for applications involving wide temperature ranges. Resistant to ultraviolet light, ozone, gases and environmental conditions. Its odorless and tasteless characteristics make Silicone ideal for food applications. Not recommended for concentrated solvents, acids, or oils. When produced with platinum cured material, can be used for sanitary and medical applications.

TFE, PFA & FEP

Ideal for applications requiring high chemical resistance and the ability to handle high and low temperature. Friction-resistant and non-toxic. Aging, shock and abrasion-resistant.

Polyurethane

Also known as urethane. Polyurethane (PUR) tubing exhibits excellent flexibility and memory characteristics. Produced in ether and ester based compounds. Ester based Polyurethane is durable and exhibits high tensile strength, but tends to degrade when exposed to water. Ether based Polyurethane is ideal for compressed air systems and applications involving exposure to water. Kink resistance and tensile strength makes PUR ideal for pressure and vacuum applications. Reinforced Polyurethane should be used in applications calling for higher working pressures and additional abrasion-resistance. Better than PVC in handling fuels, oils and other petroleum-based products. Contains no plasticizers.

Polyethylene

Polyethylene flexible tubing is an excellent general purpose tubing. It is lightweight, inexpensive, and suitable for many standard applications. Polyethylene should be used where above average flexibility and pressure are not required. Can be used for a variety of applications, including chemical, food and industrial applications. Excellent weather-resistance and above average chemical-resistance. Can be used in many compressed air applications.

Thermoplastic Elastomers

A hybrid of thermoplastic and rubber based materials. Usually produced with a mixture of EPDM, Buna or SBR or other natural or synthetic rubber. When mixed with a thermoplastic material, the resulting material offers excellent chemical and abrasion-resistance, high tensile strength, and resistance to environmental conditions.

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